Thompson Aquatic Center plan back before council this week

DOVER — The proposed Jenny Thompson Aquatic Center will once again be discussed at this week’s City Council meeting.

A resolution co-sponsored by Councilors Michael Crago and Karen Weston is asking for support from the council for the public/private partnership project.

“The Aquatics Center item is simply a resolution that authorizes the City Manager to sign a letter of intent in support of the proposed center,” Mayor Dean Trefethen stated in an email. “It is a way of the Council saying we authorize the manager to continue talking and negotiating with (Seacoast Swimming Association).”

According to Crago, the resolution is asking for permission from the City Council to “go to the next level.” He said the next step would be to look at dimensions, components and its affordability.

“We are looking for no effect on the taxpayer,” Crago said. “We’re looking to enrich the community and we’re looking to enrich the future with this possibility.”

The 47,000-square-foot aquatics center is estimated to cost $14 million and will be run by a separate 501c3 entity with professional management, according to Seacoast Swimming’s Tim Paiva.

The proposed plan details a 50-meter, 8-lane pool and a smaller teaching pool located at Maglaras Park. The facility will hold a number of classes, including diving, scuba, water polo, kayaking and synchronized swimming sessions. They are also looking to hold senior fitness, rehabilitation swimming and programs for the youth and those with special needs, along with traditional swimming lessons.

The center will host competitive swimming meetings throughout the year, as well, such as USA swimming meets, New England swimming championships, high school meets, the University of New Hampshire Invitational and recreational meets.

“It could be unbelievably huge in the interest of expanding on the character and reputation of the Garrison City,” Crago said.

Business development would thrive and create a “more vibrant city center,” according to Crago.

“Dover should be Dover,” he said. “We don’t need to try to go another path to be another Portsmouth or Newburyport. We are Dover. We are the Garrison City. We should be looking at trying to cultivate our own unique persona and pursue and develop a diversified mantra that makes us a truly unique municipality all by ourselves.”

The resolution on Wednesday’s City Council agenda does not commit City Manager Michael Joyal to anything, according to Trefethen. “The Manager would have to come back to the Council for any final agreements or contracts.”

If the resolution passes, City Council members can begin exploring options regarding the facility. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall.